The Forgotten (Decker/Lazarus Novels, 13)

Lt. Peter Decker is called to the scene of a vandalized synagogue which he attends along with his wife Rina. They are both sickened by the racial slurs which are written on the walls and by the photos of Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust. The perpetrator is apprehended, but the case does not end there. What follows is a complex unwinding of past and present deep-seated prejudices, greed, and selfish ambition which various characters display. Wound throughout the case is the homelife of Peter and Rina and their struggles with young son Jacob who is trying to find his identity in a confusing world. This is a wonderfully crafted book, full of suspense and interesting characters.

A terrifically page-turning thriller that sees Pete Decker and Nina fighting against an unspeakable evil. It's books like this that have made Faye Kellerman the equal of her esteemed husband.FOR ME, THE BEST THRILLER OF THE YEAR - ...

As a mystery writer with my debut novel in its initial release, I firmly believe Faye Kellerman's THE FORGOTTEN is her best mystery yet. The novel deals with Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus investigating a complicated series of crimes. There are no easy answers here. Computer fraud may be involved. Adolescent angst may play a part. The aftermath of the Holocaust could be another contributing factor. Most importantly, her series characters continue developing as if they are actual people, and THE FORGOTTEN is a most fulfilling read.

I thought this one was riveting. I can't imagine why anyone found it dull... No imagination I guess. Great read, excellent story, hard to put down. When I stay up until 3 am to finish a mystery, that pretty much says it all for me.

From the beginning, the best part of this series has always been, to this reader, the complex relationships among Peter, Rina, and their children/step-children, along with the interweaving of Jewish rituals and traditions as part of the plot. Because both of these elements are so strongly presented in this book, I found it one of the most satisfying of the series, even as I was somewhat disappointed that what began as a complex plot with seeemingly great potential petered out at the end. The contrast between the many disfunctional parent/adolescent relationships and the relationship of Peter and Jacob and their difficulties was especially moving. All in all, an excellent addition to the series; but beware, this is one series that should be read in order beginning with the Ritual Bath if it is to be fully appreciated.